Delhi Court Revokes Sharjeel Imam's Interim Bail Over Violation

A Delhi court on Saturday revoked the interim bail granted to student activist Sharjeel Imam after finding that he violated the terms set for his temporary release. Additional Sessions Judge Sameer Bajpai of the Karkardooma Courts delivered the order following a plea from the Delhi Police, which alleged that Imam had breached specific conditions during his period of liberty.Imam had been granted interim bail for seven days, spanning from October 4 to October 10, specifically to attend the weddings of his cousins in Delhi and Bihar. Among the court-imposed conditions for this relief was a strict prohibition against contacting media persons, alongside restrictions regarding the use of social media and interaction with witnesses or individuals connected to his ongoing case. The police application submitted to the court cited a video circulating on social media as evidence, which purportedly showed Imam speaking to journalists, directly contradicting the judicial order.The court's decision to revoke the bail was issued on the same day that Imam was scheduled to surrender before prison authorities. The activist, who was arrested in January 2020, remains an accused in the larger conspiracy case related to the Northeast Delhi riots that occurred in February 2020. Prosecution records indicate that the violence, which broke out during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act, resulted in 53 deaths and left hundreds of others injured. Imam is currently facing charges under various legal provisions, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).This interim bail was distinct from his regular bail proceedings and was granted solely for the purpose of attending the family functions. With the court finding that the conditions of his temporary release were flouted, the legal process concerning his detention continues. Imam is expected to remain in judicial custody as the broader case regarding the 2020 conspiracy progresses through the court system.